Etihad Cargo operates its first “Year of Zayed” humanitarian flights to Kazakhstan and India

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – Etihad Cargo, the cargo division of Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, has launched its first humanitarian freighter missions. The initiatives are part of the group’s extensive Year of Zayed programme, which will take place throughout 2018.

The
specially branded Year of Zayed Boeing 777 freighter aircraft departed Abu
Dhabi – first to Almaty in Kazakhstan and then to Hyderabad in India – carrying
special provisions to be distributed to those in need during the Holy Month of
Ramadan.

The
humanitarian missions are taking place throughout the year in collaboration
with the Khalifa Foundation, the Red Crescent, and His Highness Sheikh Sultan
Bin Khalifa Al Nahyan Humanitarian & Scientific Foundation. These missions
represent the Year of Zayed theme of respect, one of the four key themes of
Etihad’s Year of Zayed activation plan.

Peter
Baumgartner, Etihad Airways’ Chief Executive Officer, said: “We are pleased to
have commenced our first Year of Zayed humanitarian operations with our cargo aircraft
which is crossing the globe to deliver vital items to help people most in need.

“The
humanitarian missions embody the spirit and values of the UAE’s founding
father, HH Sheikh Zayed, and we are proud to play a small role in carrying
forward his legacy and supporting people in need from around the globe.”

Faris
Saif Al Mazrouei, General Manager of The Founder's Office, said: “The Founder’s
Office is proud to support Etihad Airways’ humanitarian efforts, which will
bring relief to thousands during the holy month of Ramadan.

“The
late Sheikh Zayed initiated countless philanthropic and charitable endeavors
throughout his lifetime. His spirit of altruism and generosity transcended
borders, and laid the foundations for the UAE’s ongoing role as a leading
provider of international aid.

“This
worthy initiative upholds his legacy, reflecting one of the central themes of
our Year of Zayed campaign which is to reinforce the spirit of solidarity
amongst community members through selfless giving, and globally extending a
helping hand to all those in need.”

In
addition to its freighter humanitarian missions focusing on the theme of
respect, Etihad has an extensive programme to commemorate the Year of Zayed
themes of wisdom, sustainability and human development.

Under
the theme of wisdom, guests travelling on a specific A380 Etihad Airways
aircraft will enjoy a host of content and services inspired by the late Sheikh
Zayed, including themed inflight entertainment, kids’ packs and a photo gallery
of his life.

Another
exciting initiative will be the launch of an Abu Dhabi cultural experience.
During the course of 2018, Etihad Airways will fly-in 1,000 guests from around
the world to experience the capital’s vibrant culture scene, including visits
to the Founder’s Memorial, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Wahat al Karama, and
Louvre Abu Dhabi.

Combining
the themes of flying and sustainability, Etihad Airways and the Environment
Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD) will host the Abu Dhabi Birdathon, a community event
featuring the greater flamingos.

Several
tagged flamingos, each one nominated to an Abu Dhabi partner entity, will be
tracked online as they fly off during the breeding season at the end of the
year. This initiative aims to drive awareness of environmental conservation, which
the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan was passionate about.

The
final component of Etihad’s Year of Zayed campaign, focusing on human
development, has two elements.

Etihad
will dedicate its training facility buildings to Sheikh Zayed. The Etihad
Training Academy building adjacent to the Corporate Headquarters will be
renamed Zayed Campus - Abu Dhabi, and the Etihad Aviation Training facility in
Al Ain will become Zayed Campus - Al Ain.

In
addition, Etihad will launch the Young Aviators programme for school children
in the UAE.

This
initiative, which aims to inspire children, will involve guided tours of the
Etihad headquarters and Training Academy in Abu Dhabi, including sessions in
the full flight simulators.